Hong Kong Tennis Open 2020 cancelled as organisers say safety of players is paramount; 2021 return planned
- The 2020 edition of the WTA event was left off a provisional calendar earlier this year
“Owing to public health and safety concerns related to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we are announcing today the cancellation of the 2020 Prudential Hong Kong Open,” a statement from the Association read.
“The health and safety of players, spectators, guests, partners, tournament staff and volunteers, as well as the wider community, are our prime concerns. The cancellation was determined in conjunction with the tournament’s long-time title sponsor Prudential Hong Kong and the government following a comprehensive consultation period with the Women’s Tennis Association and key stakeholders.”
This will be the second year in a row that the flagship tournament has been called off. In 2019, the event was also scrapped after Hong Kong witnessed a series of social protests, triggered by the proposed introduction of the Fugitive Offenders amendment bill by the government.
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But with an expected resurgence of the pandemic in winter and the continuation of air travel restrictions, the Association felt compelled to take the decision to call off this year’s event.
The WTA International series first returned to Hong Kong in 2014 after an absence of women’s tennis tournament in the city for two decades. Former champions include two former world number ones, Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in 2015 and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.
Organisers now hope to bring back the event in 2021, with details to be announced at a later date.
“We thank the fans, our sponsors and partners for their understanding and continued support of the event. Rest assured that the tournament will be back bigger and better in 2021. As the flagship tennis event in Hong Kong, we are excited to showcase the best of women’s tennis in front of local fans in a safe environment once again,” the Association said.
